Artistic Director for CHOGM, Raymond Calleja yesterday announced the theme for the opening ceremony: Adding Global Value.

Mr Calleja said that the theme will be represented throughout the whole ceremony, and planning and preparations have taken up to 2 years. It will also include 360 performers and roughly 250 school children will be involved.

Together with his creative team, Mr Calleja told members of the press about the upward of 500 people who have contributed towards preparations for the opening. Students and lecturers of MCAST also came together, focusing their efforts on costume design and creation, and other artistic projects.

He said that the design team is made up of international members, who are known for their professionalism. The message of the ceremony is being centred around unity and diversity. Mr Calleja said he wishes for the state leaders too look at the children that have been involved in the ceremony, and remember that decisions should be taken in the interest of the upcoming generations.

Mr Calleja asked the press to divert their line of questioning towards the CHOGM communications team, and no questions were permitted at the press conference.

Ivan Grech, Mario Sammut and Karl Fiorini were mentioned as the composers for the CHOGM music. Joseph Calleja and Nicole Darmanin will be performing during the ceremony, as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Malta.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, on a large stage, with the backdrop containing 40metres of screens, which will show animated films.

The ceremony will be open to the public on November 27 at 3pm, then again on 28 November 28, at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. It will be broadcast live and will also be available for live stream through the official website.